sanctuary

DEAR GOD: Your Reflection Within Is My Strength~

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Holy Spirit Within | FOR THE LOVE OF GOD
Divine Presence Within

In a world that often feels tumultuous and overwhelming, the scripture offers a profound reassurance: “Greater is the one in me than the one in the world.”This statement is not just a comfort; it is a declaration of an indomitable spirit provided by the Holy and Divine Presence within us.

Assurance in Scripture

The scriptural backing for this bold claim is found in the Christian New Testament, in the book of 1 John 4:4, which states, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” This passage speaks to the victory of the Holy Spirit over worldly challenges and adversities.

The Moral Strength of Inner Spirit Of Christ

The moral of this scripture is clear: the spiritual essence within each person is a source of immense strength and resilience. It suggests that no matter the external pressures or trials one may face, the inner Spirit Presence provides a wellspring of power to overcome them, and only through Christ can we accomplish this!

Learning from Scripture

Learning from scripture is not merely a mind exercise; it is a Spiritual journey that transforms us. It teaches us to look beyond the visible, to trust in the invisible, and to find courage in the assurance that the Divine within us is indeed greater than any force we may encounter in the world.

In the journey of faith, believers are often encouraged to look outward for signs of the Divine. Yet, the scripture gently redirects our gaze inward, to the sanctuary of the soul where a Greater Power resides. “Greater is the one in me than the one in the world” is not merely a phrase; it is a spiritual axiom that anchors us in the truth of Divine Supremacy within our very being.

The Inner Fortress Against Worldly Forces

The world presents an array of forces that can intimidate, discourage, and even derail us from our path. These forces take many forms: adversity, temptation, addictions, and the pervasive influence of negative voices that echo through our society. However, the scripture in 1 John 4:4 serves as a reminder that within us dwells a power far greater than these external pressures—a Holy Divine and loving fortress that stands unassailable by worldly strife.

Living with the Consciousness of Inner Divinity

To live with the consciousness of this inner Spirit is to walk through life with a different posture. It is to face trials with composure, to meet challenges with courage, and to encounter negativity with a peace that surpasses all understanding. This awareness transforms our interactions, infusing them with grace and fortitude, and empowers us to be agents of change in a world that yearns for the touch of the Divine and His Presence from above.

The Transformative Impact of Divine Presence

The indwelling Divine Presence of the Holy One is not static; it is transformative. It shapes our character, molds our desires, and aligns our will with that of the LORD. As we yield to this Greater Power, we find ourselves becoming more loving, more compassionate, and more reflective of the His Divine image. This transformation is the essence of spiritual growth and the hallmark of a life lived in tune with the Greater One within.

Reflective Questions

  1. In what ways can we become more attuned to the divine presence within us?
  2. How does the realization of the greater one within us empower us to serve others?

Embracing scripture and our Christianity is an act of embracing the Spirit within. It is a journey of discovery, where each verse is a steppingstone to a deeper understanding, and each chapter a guide to greater wisdom. As we learn from scripture, let us cherish the revelation that within us lies a power greater than any challenge we face in the world—a power that assures us of victory, peace, and eternal grace.

“Dear Lord, we acknowledge Your mighty Presence within us. May we always remember that Your strength is our fortress, and Your wisdom our guide. Help us to draw upon Your power in every circumstance, and to walk in the confidence of Your victory over the world, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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Learning from scripture is not merely an exercise in Christianity; it is a spiritual journey that ultimately transforms each of us. It teaches us to look beyond the visible, to trust in the invisible, and to find courage in the assurance that the LORD’s Spirit within us, as true believers in Christ as our Savior – is indeed greater than any force we may encounter in the world…

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DEAR GOD: You Are My Beacon & Light~

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Lighthouse Sunset

 

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?
Psalm 27:2 (ESV)

 

A Beacon of Light

Psalm 27, attributed to David, is a profound expression of faith and trust in the Lord amidst adversity. It begins with a declaration of confidence: “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1 NIV)1. This opening verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, encapsulating the psalmist’s unwavering belief that God is a protective and guiding force against all fears and foes.

The psalm oscillates between expressions of fearless trust and earnest pleas for God’s presence. David speaks of enemies and war, yet he remains confident. This juxtaposition highlights a central theme: the power of faith to provide stability and courage, even when one is surrounded by threats.

Then further on, it reveals the psalmist’s deepest desire: “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4 NIV) David yearns not for material wealth or victory over his enemies, but for the serene and continuous communion with God. This longing to be in God’s presence, to “gaze on the beauty of the Lord,” is a testament to the psalmist’s devotion.

The latter part of the psalm is a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy and guidance. David asks not to be forsaken and prays for deliverance from his adversaries. The emotional intensity of these verses conveys a sense of vulnerability, contrasting with the earlier declarations of confidence. It is a reminder that seeking God’s face is not a one-time act but a continual process of faith and reliance on divine guidance.

Psalm 27 concludes with an exhortation to “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord” (Psalm 27:14 NIV) This final verse encapsulates the essence of the psalm: a call to patience and courage, affirming that trust in God is rewarded with strength and the fulfillment of His promises.

In essence, Psalm 27 is a microcosm of the spiritual journey. It captures the oscillation between confidence and doubt, presence and absence, and ultimately, the enduring faith that guides the believer through life’s tumultuous seas. It serves as a beacon of trust and devotion, illuminating the path for all who seek solace and strength in the divine.

When we place all of our trust and hope in the LORD, there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish or withstand, through Christ our LORD.  Superfluous things are non-existent – there reality is Christ, and the desire to commune with Him on a daily and intimate basis. When we ascribe to His doctrine, and His will for our lives, we get come ALIVE in His Presence and His Word.

As we take on more and more of the Word into our mind, heart, and apply it to our lives as it were, we begin to have a sense of what life “really is.” Life here on earth is fleeting. We are gone in a blink of the eye! We can die suddenly. And if so – are you confident that you will be in the Lamb’s Book Of Life?

One thing is certain – we all will physically leave this earth one day. Our flesh bodies will die, and our spiritual bodies will live on. However, when judgement day comes – the question is – will we be ready?

How’s your relationship with the LORD? Do you seek Him daily? Do you desire to be with Him exclusively for eternity? As David so passionately cries and laments in Psalm 27 – He wants to dwell in the house of the LORD forever – Do you?

“Dearest Heavenly Father, In the sanctuary of Your presence, I find light and salvation. Whom shall I fear? For You are the stronghold of my life. I come before You with a heart full of gratitude, Thanking You for the assurance that You are always nearby. In times of trouble, You protect me; You set me high upon a rock. Lord, I seek one thing—to dwell in Your house forever, to gaze upon Your beauty and to seek You in Your temple. In the quiet moments, in the chaos of life, Your presence is my constant desire. I surrender to You, O Lord, my worries and my foes. For even if friends and family forsake me, You will receive me. Teach me Your way, lead me on a straight path, despite my adversaries. I believe I will see Your goodness in the land of the living. So, I wait for You, Lord; I am strong and take heart as I wait. Thank You for being my light, my salvation, my refuge. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: How Do We Handle Harsh Words?

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You have always put a wall of protection around him…take away ...

 

No weapon formed against you shall prosper,
And every tongue which rises against you in judgment
You shall condemn.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord,
And their righteousness is from Me,”
Says the Lord – Isaiah 54:17 (KJV).

When a friend or loved one tosses harsh words your way it could send a piercing dart through your heart. It might also “anger” you, or stupefy you totally into oblivion, leaving you confused and wondering how someone who supposedly cares for you might say such words!

It can bring an array of emotions that cascade through your being. Although the enemy may be whispering to you, “react, and answer and get angry” – don’t!  Stop and ask for peace of Christ, ask the Spirit to guide you and hold you up. And take comfort in the words of the LORD.  His promises to protect you from those who mean you harm or spill vitriolic sewage your way cannot penetrate their caustic words into your soul.

Isaiah 41:10 -“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

These words are not just mere words as mortals usually espouse. No, in fact this is directly from His mouth to His children. He promises to uphold us in all matters pertaining to our protection and our lives.

Psalm 27:1 -“The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?”

The light of my salvation— whom shall I fear? No one! Is the answer each and every time. I will state that emphatically and without recourse.  Words are just that- words. When words from mortals spew harsh and cruel, remember they’re not from our Father above, and it shouldn’t penetrate our souls. In fact, those who use “verbal attacks” usually aren’t standing in the light. It can come from the “opposite” side of Christ. So, take that into consideration as well.

Psalm 138:7 -“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.”

This verse in particular helped me this very morning as I am facing a situation that came out of left field. I have no clue about where or why this circumstance surfaced in the first place. However, I run to the Bible and the LORD for His protection and His light to overcome the darkness and to replenish my soul with His love. That’s all I need.

Ephesians 6:11-12 -“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

I never leave home with my armor of protection. I never get nervous about anything because I am fully clothed in His Gospel. It requires a great deal of faith, dedication and trust in the LORD at all times in order to “glide” over the bumpy, rocky road of trials and tribulations. Which includes but not limited to harsh words, harsh actions, and the evil in the world overall.

In times of trouble, we can find refuge in God’s protection. This is what we should think of when we hear harsh words.  These verses remind us of His provision and care for us:

  • Psalm 57:1 “Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by.”
  • Psalm 61:2 “From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
  • Psalm 62:8 “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah”Psalm 71:3 “Be my strong refuge, To which I may resort continually; You have given the commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.”
  • Nahum 1:7 “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him.”

Has someone or something thrown you a curve today in terms of harshness or seemingly out of nowhere? Is there something troubling you right this moment that has you upset, nervous, angry or sad? Take comfort in His promises and His Word, and in His love, it will reinforce your heart, mind body and soul.

“Father, thank You for Your Words and promises, I answer to You alone, and find refuge in Your love and light, may I always refer to Your Word in all things, and recognize that You are there holding me up through all things, and all circumstances, you are guiding me fully at all times, and my provisions and soul are fulfilled by Your love, Word and promises, in Christ’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Water & Light Complete Me~

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The Stream of Living Water

God is the source of all life and light. He created the sun, the moon, and the stars to illuminate the earth and to mark the seasons and times. He also created the sea and the sky and filled them with living creatures.

He is the fountain of life, and in His light, we see light. He gives us living water, which is His Spirit, to quench our thirst and to cleanse us from our sins.

He is the light of the world, and whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.

He is the basis of all things for all things, humans, creatures, nature and otherwise. In Him we have a sanctuary and an everlasting protective armor. With Him we can accomplish things with relative ease through His power and name. Without Him we are baseless in all we endeavor, which is to say it’s an exercise in futility, we won’t be able to do anything in the way we would with Him in our lives.

His everlasting Light and His Living waters complete me as it should all of His followers and those of faith.

When you see the Light from sun, whom do you think of?

When you see the rushing moving water, who do think of?

“Dear LORD, Your Light, Your Living Water, and Your love complete me, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

– Genesis 1:3
And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

– Genesis 1:14-15
And God said, “Let there be lights in the vault of the sky to separate the day from the night and let them serve as signs to mark sacred times, and days and years, and let them be lights in the vault of the sky to give light upon the earth.” And it was so.

– Genesis 1:20
And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.”

– Psalm 36:9
For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.

– John 4:10
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

– John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

 

 

Living Bulwark

DEAR GOD: THANK YOU FOR PSALM 91 & MORE~

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Open Heaven for Today 22 December 2019 – Divine Protection

I’d just like to put the entire Psalm 91 on the site today as a reminder for all of us in just how spectacularly special and amazing our LORD is! It is the quintessential character of who He is, with His provisions, actions, and promises. It reinforces His Omnipotence and His unsurpassable love for all of His children. We are His children and we’ve been redeemed by His blood and His love, and it is not retractable but reinforced by who He is and what He does each day of our life here on earth. And it will continue to be throughout eternity.

So here is Psalm 91 in its entirety, and I’ve chosen King James Version, should any of you prefer another version, please go to it.  I only suggest as you read this beautiful comforting Psalm, you take in the enormous scope of what it truly represents. And know and trust and believe in His Word as you proclaim His great glory and magnificence.

Have a Blessed day in the LORD, Amen.

 

Psalm 91 (KJV)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

“Father, we thank You for Your providence over our lives, and for Your promises and Presence in our lives, we are under Your wings and safe within the confines of Your love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”